ArchiveAbundant Life Health Carehttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/2020/5/1/
karole@abundantlifehealthcare.comkarole@abundantlifehealthcare.comSun, 07 Jun 2020 09:43:01 GMTSun, 07 Jun 2020 09:43:01 GMThttp://backend.userland.com/rssNeoreef Blog RSS Generator Version 3.0.2.28868Happy 14th Birthday to ALHC!Did you know I opened my practice on April 1st? Let me explain why. When I was going through all the hoops of starting a business, I was told my two different consultants that I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t have a successful practice based on bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and all that includes. They warned me that my business would likely fail. Then I met with a female accountant who thought my practice was a great idea, and told me to not let anyone rain on my parade. So I decided that if these “expert” consultants think I can’t do it and I’m going to do it anyway, if this is truly a foolish idea, then I’m going to open on April Fool’s Day.

And here I am, fourteen years later. Has it been easy? No. Am I glad I took the accountant’s advice and pursued my dream? Yes.

Happy 14th Birthday to Abundant Life Health Care. It is worth all the work to be the Nurse Practitioner that I want to be, providing health care the way I think it should be done. One on one, individualized, based on science, integrating natural medicine, and incorporating 14 years of clinical experience (and counting).

]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1890/Blog/2020/4/Happy14thBirthdaytoALHC!
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1890/Blog/2020/4/Happy14thBirthdaytoALHC!#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1890/Blog/2020/4/Happy14thBirthdaytoALHC!Tue, 31 Mar 2020 18:55:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1890/Blog/2020/4/Happy%2014th%20Birthday%20to%20ALHC!Coffee: Is it good or bad for your health?Coffee. People love it or hate it. People try to justify that it’s good for their health. Some people vilify it. What do the studies show?

The majority of research suggest health benefits, though some studies offer conflicting results, which has led to research into each biologically active compound. Coffee contains hundreds of biologically active compounds (acids, carbohydrates, lignins, minerals, nitrogenous compounds, caramelized products, lipids, and volatile compounds), which all have different effects on health.

Did you know that coffee is known to have estrogenic activity? This was documented over 80 years ago! Although estrogen’s action on the reproductive tract, mammary glands, and ovaries is well acknowledged, it should also be noted that estrogen effects other areas of the body such as the bone, nervous system, heart, and brain.

Summary of general beneficial health findings:

An inverse association between daily coffee consumption of 3-4 cups/day and all-cause mortality has been observed. In other words, when people drink up to 4 cups of coffee per day, there are lower rates in all causes of death.

Acrylaminde, a substance formed during the roasting process at high temperatures in the Maillard reaction, may have carcinogenic activity.

The health effects of coffee can be traced back to each biologically active compound, such as caffeine. Though the research specific to estrogenic activity is interesting, it is likely premature to gain any solid clinical implications from it.

Coffee consumption is generally safe within usual levels of intake, with estimates indicating the largest risk reduction for various health outcomes at three to four cups each day, and more likely to benefit health than harm it.

However, some people, including those with high blood pressure or anxiety, may be more likely to experience the negative effects of caffeine. Some evidence suggests that it may be prudent for pregnant women to limit coffee consumption to 3 cups per day. Women at increased risk of fracture (possibly due to low estrogen levels), may also be more vulnerable than the general population.

Although it is not discussed in any of the studies I read, coffee may impact cortisol and adrenalin levels. For people struggling with adrenal fatigue, it may not be recommended.

Research is ongoing, because people love their coffee, and more information will continue to be released. So if you fall into one of the groups that coffee may benefit, then moderate consumption (3-4 cups per day) is okay.

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support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1887/Blog/2020/3/CoffeeIsitgoodorbadforyourhealth#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1887/Blog/2020/3/CoffeeIsitgoodorbadforyourhealthWed, 11 Mar 2020 12:44:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1887/Blog/2020/3/Coffee:%20Is%20it%20good%20or%20bad%20for%20your%20health?The Best and Worst Part of My Job, Part IIA couple months ago, I wrote that the best and worst part of my job is getting to know my patients as more than just patients. They become friends. I celebrate good things happening in their lives, and I grieve the bad things too. I was recently shown that the love goes both ways.

Last week, my husband was injured at work. I was coordinating between him, the ER, and our kids and had to take personal phone calls and return text messages during patient appointments. Every patient that afternoon offered to reschedule their appointments. Every. Single. One. Often they told me, “No, really. It’s not a problem for me to reschedule, if you need to be with your husband.”

I am grateful for that. My patients are some of the nicest people I know. To offer to reschedule an appointment because my personal life was interfering with my professional life meant a lot to me. I felt the love, understanding, and respect they gave me. (I didn’t reschedule anyone, but did have to interrupt every appointment to take brief phone calls or return texts.)

So thank you to those patients, who were so willing to let me take care of my personal minor crisis in the midst of my professional business. I hope if any of you are ever in this position, that you’ll be offered the flexibility I was given.

For those who are wondering, my husband’s injury is serious, but it could have been much worse than it is. I am very thankful for that. With time and healing, he will be okay.

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support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1886/Blog/2020/2/TheBestandWorstPartofMyJobPartII#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1886/Blog/2020/2/TheBestandWorstPartofMyJobPartIIMon, 10 Feb 2020 11:07:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1886/Blog/2020/2/The%20Best%20and%20Worst%20Part%20of%20My%20Job,%20Part%20IIParting Thoughts From LesaAs we say goodbye and thank you to Lesa for 5 years as Office Manager at Abundant Life Heatlh Care, she had something she wanted to say to everyone. So here it is, in her own words:
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support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1885/Blog/2020/1/PartingThoughtsFromLesa#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1885/Blog/2020/1/PartingThoughtsFromLesaThu, 30 Jan 2020 13:07:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1885/Blog/2020/1/Parting%20Thoughts%20From%20LesaA Visit From Mrs. Claus‘Twas two days before Christmas ....
]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1884/Blog/2019/12/AVisitFromMrs.Claus
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1884/Blog/2019/12/AVisitFromMrs.Claus#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1884/Blog/2019/12/AVisitFromMrs.ClausSun, 22 Dec 2019 15:57:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1884/Blog/2019/12/A%20Visit%20From%20Mrs.%20ClausThe Best and Worst Part of My Job

I love being a Nurse Practitioner. Even working in a fast paced family practice clinic, I made a difference. For the last 13+ years, I’ve been able to practice how I think is best for my patients. I spend more time with them than I could in a typical medical practice. I get to know them. I get to know their stressors, their highs and lows. I can help them in meaningful ways, not just writing a prescription. Some of my patients have been with me since I opened my doors in 2006. This is the best part of my job. These patients are more like friends. I don’t need to look at their charts to know what medications they take, what surgeries they’ve had, what foods they’re allergic to. I know what they do for a living, how old their kids are. I get to celebrate marriages, graduations, births, job promotions, beginning new careers, marriages that have made it through hard times.

But the opposite side of that coin is that I also play a small part in their sorrows. Divorces, aging parents, lay-offs, cancer diagnoses, and deaths. I can’t always separate my professional objectivity from my personal emotions, because these patients are my friends. Today, I’m particularly affected by the death of a child of one of my patients. I don’t just know the mom. I know the aunts and grandparents of this precious child. The mom and I were pregnant at the same time, and we compared belly sizes and pregnancy symptoms. The grandma made a special baby blanket to welcome her first grandchild, and she made one for my baby too. See? They’re friends. And this is the worst part of my job.

As I sat at the funeral just 10 days before Christmas, I grieved with everyone else who was there. My professional objectivity was no where to be found. And in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Christmas season, I’ve been forced to pause. Look around me. Look at my children. Look at my husband, my extended family. Remember that I’d rather make memories than wrap presents. Errands can wait till later if I can bake cookies with my youngest child. Even dishes can wait if it means watching a TV show with my family. That unpredictable tragedies can happen to anyone. My kids don’t want hugs anymore, but fist bumps and back scratches are still okay. I made sure they all got those at bedtime last night.

We always talk about taking a step back and evaluating our priorities. But when was the last time we really did? I’ve been doing that in the last week.

]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1883/Blog/2019/12/TheBestandWorstPartofMyJob
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1883/Blog/2019/12/TheBestandWorstPartofMyJob#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1883/Blog/2019/12/TheBestandWorstPartofMyJobMon, 16 Dec 2019 09:07:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1883/Blog/2019/12/The%20Best%20and%20Worst%20Part%20of%20My%20JobWhy Should You See a Hormone Expert?Why should you choose a hormone expert?
]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1882/Blog/2019/11/WhyShouldYouSeeaHormoneExpert
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1882/Blog/2019/11/WhyShouldYouSeeaHormoneExpert#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1882/Blog/2019/11/WhyShouldYouSeeaHormoneExpertTue, 05 Nov 2019 22:11:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1882/Blog/2019/11/Why%20Should%20You%20See%20a%20Hormone%20Expert?Open HouseThis is our BEFORE. Come see our AFTER!
]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1881/Blog/2019/10/OpenHouse
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1881/Blog/2019/10/OpenHouse#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1881/Blog/2019/10/OpenHouseWed, 30 Oct 2019 19:06:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1881/Blog/2019/10/Open%20HouseCurcumin and CholesterolA new study was published in June, 2019 which looks at the effect of curcumin supplementation on cholesterol levels.
]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1880/Blog/2019/8/CurcuminandCholesterol
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1880/Blog/2019/8/CurcuminandCholesterol#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1880/Blog/2019/8/CurcuminandCholesterolThu, 01 Aug 2019 14:06:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1880/Blog/2019/8/Curcumin%20and%20CholesterolWe're Moving Abundant Life Healthcare is moving on July 1st, so you may want to mark your calendars. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed serving you from our office in Garden City, but it’s time to make a change. We won’t be moving too far, though, and we found the perfect office for our practice-- we’re sure you’ll love it, too.
]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1878/Blog/2019/6/WereMoving
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1878/Blog/2019/6/WereMovingThu, 20 Jun 2019 00:14:00 GMThttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1878/Blog/2019/6/We're%20Moving"It's All in Your Head"

When everything's normal except how you feel, it might be your hormones. Too often, I hear from new patients, "When I told my health care provider about all my symptoms, s/he said I must be depressed and here's a prescription. But I'm not depressed! I've been depressed before and this isn't it!" Hormone imbalance, for both men and women can have many mood alterations, and depression can be one symptom. You and your medical provider need to look deeper before prescribing anti-depressant medication.

Have your hormones tested with a saliva test, and treat any imbalances using bio-identical hormones, lifestyle changes, nutrition, herbs and supplements as indicated.

The Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study followed over 81,000 women for almost 12 years. They have found some interesting trends as the numbers have been crunched. This latest study was published on February 14, 2019 in the medical journal, Stroke.

Postmenopausal women who consumed two or more artificially sweetened beverages per day had a statistically significant increased risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and all-cause mortality. In obese women who had a BMI of 30 or higher, that risk went up even more.

“Artificially sweetened beverages may not be harmless and high consumption is associated with a higher risk of stroke and heart disease,” one of the authors said in a statement.

Here’s my conclusion: Get rid of artificial sweeteners! This is just one piece of evidence pointing to what natural medicine practitioners have been saying for years. These chemicals are not meant for our bodies. They do more harm than good. Let’s all say “so long” to sucralose! Adios, aspartame!

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support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1874/Blog/2019/2/IntheNewsArtificiallySweetenedBeveragesIncreaseRiskforStrokeandCoronaryHeartDiseaseinMenopausalWomen#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1874/Blog/2019/2/IntheNewsArtificiallySweetenedBeveragesIncreaseRiskforStrokeandCoronaryHeartDiseaseinMenopausalWomenThu, 28 Feb 2019 08:52:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1874/Blog/2019/2/In%20the%20News:%20Artificially%20Sweetened%20Beverages%20Increase%20Risk%20for%20Stroke%20and%20Coronary%20Heart%20Disease%20in%20Menopausal%20WomenProduct Highlight--Golden Milk... but how does it TASTE?Have you heard about golden milk? It is a drink, which is traditionally cow’s milk simmered with herbs, specifically turmeric root and ginger root. The health benefits of this ayurvedic beverage are purportedly numerous, and I always have a dose of skepticism when it sounds too good to be true.

But I know how beneficial curcumin is (it’s the primary active ingredient in turmeric) as an anti-inflammatory and the research is plentiful in its use as pain control. The anti-inflammatory effect is not limited to the joints. It’s been shown to be effective for gut inflammation as well.

Traditionally, golden milk has been used for liver health, heart and brain health, immune system support (supposedly treats colds, flu, and sore throats), inflammation, skin health and healing, and is full of anti-oxidants. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Then I started reading about how to make golden milk. Chopping, slicing, mashing fresh roots. Simmer it in milk for 15 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t scorch. Then remove from heat and allow it to sit to continue infusing the milk with all that herbal goodness. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth. Add honey to taste. Then finally, you can drink it.

WHO’S GOT TIME FOR ALL THAT? Not me.

So I was very excited when Metagenics released Golden Fusion, a powder version of golden milk that is added to warm water, coconut or almond milk. It’s been so easy that I’ve been drinking my Golden Fusion every day for three weeks now. Can I see any difference in how I feel? Yes, I can. (If you want details on what I have been noticing, please ask me in person!) Is it doing everything that golden milk claims it does? I don’t know yet. But I’m going to keep drinking it and see.

The big question is, how does it taste? It was quite good in sweetened coconut milk (I accidentally bought sweetened coconut milk. Oops!), and it was oh, so soothing when I had a cold with a very sore throat. In unsweetened coconut milk and warm water, it’s okay. By no means does it taste bad or bitter, but it’s not something that tastes like dessert either.

If you want to read more about golden milk, and Golden Fusion, in particular, click this link:

Golden Fusion is available in our online supplement store. Click the tab above for “Supplement Store.” If you haven’t yet, you’ll need to create an account using your email address and password of your choice, then click “Shop Dispensary” and you’re ready to place an order.

]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1873/Blog/2019/2/ProductHighlight--GoldenMilk...buthowdoesitTASTE
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1873/Blog/2019/2/ProductHighlight--GoldenMilk...buthowdoesitTASTE#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1873/Blog/2019/2/ProductHighlight--GoldenMilk...buthowdoesitTASTEMon, 04 Feb 2019 14:28:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1873/Blog/2019/2/Product%20Highlight--Golden%20Milk...%20but%20how%20does%20it%20TASTE?Sugar Can Decrease Testosterone in MenMore than two thirds of American adults are overweight or obese. As the American waistline increases so does the epidemic of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The link between decreasing testosterone levels associated with these syndromes is well established in the scientific literature: men with diabetes have significantly lower levels of serum (blood) testosterone when compared with men without diabetes; as well men in the lowest levels of free testosterone have a four-fold increased risk of having diabetes when compared with men in the highest levels of free testosterone. We don’t know the exact mechanism between insulin resistance and low testosterone in men. Visceral adiposity (belly fat) also plays a role where the enzyme aromatase can convert testosterone into estrogen, which also decreases testosterone levels.

A recent study suggests that another mechanism may have a direct impact on testosterone levels: sugar consumption. A study with 74 men between the ages of 19-34 looked at the impact of 75g of glucose on serum (blood) total and free testosterone levels in men with varying glucose tolerance. Glucose ingestion was associated with a 25% decrease in mean testosterone levels regardless of glucose tolerance or BMI, and remained suppressed for 120 minutes. What is 75g of glucose equivalent to in real food terms? A can of Coca Cola has 75g, a McDonald’s M&M McFlurry has 84.8g, a cup of low-fat fruit yogurt has 46.7g, a Clif Z bar has 30g and a pumpkin spice latte (grande) has 50g of sugar. It’s easy to see how regular sugar consumption alone can add up to perpetually suppressed testosterone levels in men.

So what does this mean? If you are concerned about your testosterone level, decrease or eliminate your sugar consumption. Everyone knows we should eat less sugar, and here is one more reason we should do so.

Then have your testosterone levels measured with a saliva test, and be treated accordingly with physiologic dosing of bio-identical hormones, along with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise.

]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1870/Blog/2018/12/SugarCanDecreaseTestosteroneinMen
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1870/Blog/2018/12/SugarCanDecreaseTestosteroneinMen#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1870/Blog/2018/12/SugarCanDecreaseTestosteroneinMenWed, 05 Dec 2018 13:49:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1870/Blog/2018/12/Sugar%20Can%20Decrease%20Testosterone%20in%20MenNine Reasons to Belly Breathe​When I was in NP school, if someone told me how much I would be talking about breathing every day, I would not have believed that person. I probably would have laughed outright. Yes, I’d heard the statistic that 90% of appointments in family practice can ultimately be traced back to high stress, but breathing? Really? That’s something we do all day and all night without even thinking about it. But here’s the thing—we SHOULD be thinking about it. And even more importantly, we should be doing it with intent.

Deep belly breathing can drastically improve your health. In fact, recently a patient told me, “Belly breathing has changed my life.” That is exactly what he said to me, word for word. No paraphrasing needed. I even asked him if I could quote him, which I have done to many of my patients and now to all of you reading this.

If you’re wondering what belly breathing is, click HERE to my blog post about how to perform belly breathing. But today we’re looking at WHY we should belly breathe.

Here are nine ways you can benefit from belly breathing…

Increased oxygen. When you breathe deeply, you deliver more oxygen to every cell of your body.

Decreased mental stress and anxiety. Belly breathing can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the sympathetic nervous system. This is medical speak for telling your body that there are no tigers hunting you and your family, and that everything is okay, resulting in lessening anxiety and stress levels.

Improved detoxification. Your lymph system and liver work better under less stressful conditions, improving your body’s ability to eliminate toxins.

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support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1868/Blog/2018/10/NineReasonstoBellyBreathe#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1868/Blog/2018/10/NineReasonstoBellyBreatheWed, 24 Oct 2018 12:54:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1868/Blog/2018/10/Nine%20Reasons%20to%20Belly%20BreatheOffice Life--Continuing Education SeminarLast weekend, I went to Portland, Oregon to attend a medical seminar about bio-identical hormone replacement, adrenal dysfunction, and neurotransmitter imbalance. While I earned continuing education credits and much of the hormone topics were review, I learned some new thoughts and treatment options for adrenal fatigue and neurotransmitters. And even better was being surrounded by a roomful of medical practitioner who are like-minded about using physiological dosing of bio-identical hormones and functional medicine.

I had a chance to explore the town a bit, try some interesting foods, have adventures getting around on the Max light rail, and wander through an amazing five-story bookstore.

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support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1865/Blog/2018/9/OfficeLife--ContinuingEducationSeminar#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1865/Blog/2018/9/OfficeLife--ContinuingEducationSeminarThu, 20 Sep 2018 07:17:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1865/Blog/2018/9/Office%20Life--Continuing%20Education%20SeminarProduct Spotlight: FindWhy? Genetic Testing for Weight ControlGenes play a role in the development of obesity. It is believed that genes regulate how our bodies capture, store, and release energy from food including the drive to overeat, the tendency to be sedentary or physically active, a diminished ability to use dietary fats as fuel, and an ability to store body fat easily.

FindWhy™ Genetic Testing for Weight Control looks at five genes that are known to have a significant impact on the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and responsiveness to exercise. The genes in the FindWhy™ Genetic Testing were chosen by a very thorough review of research literature related to genes, exercise, obesity and nutrition. The genes tested are:

• FTO—Regulation of metabolism and satiety

• MC4R—Regulation of satiety and meal frequency

• ADRB2-E27Q—Sensitivity to carbohydrates and stress impact

• FABP2-T55A—Fat absorption and insulin regulation of sugar

• SH2B1—Regulation of insulin and leptin systems

Testing is performed on the DNA collected from cheek cells which are collected by brushing the three swabs on the inside of the mouth.

Testing your genes can give you specific dietary and exercise recommendations, such as eat five small meals a day or perform high intensity cardio exercise. When you know that your body converts sugar straight into fat, it makes you think a bit harder about eating that piece of cake…

For more information about FindWhy™ Genetic Testing or to schedule your testing, call us at 208-433-9188.

]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1864/Blog/2018/8/ProductSpotlightFindWhyGeneticTestingforWeightControl
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1864/Blog/2018/8/ProductSpotlightFindWhyGeneticTestingforWeightControl#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1864/Blog/2018/8/ProductSpotlightFindWhyGeneticTestingforWeightControlTue, 14 Aug 2018 10:08:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1864/Blog/2018/8/Product%20Spotlight:%20FindWhy?%20Genetic%20Testing%20for%20Weight%20ControlOffice Life--Lunch and Learn!At Abundant Life Health Care, we always continue to learn. Karole regularly attends seminars on various health topics, as well as webinars in the office during lunch. And sometimes, Lesa watches the webinar too!

Today, we learned about the newest theories of root causes of high blood pressure. It was not a “you’ve got high blood pressure, take this medicine to lower it” kind of webinar. It was about studies that show the three types of cellular dysfunction in blood vessels that cause high blood pressure. In fact, a study that was discussed resulted in 62% of participants getting off their blood pressure medicine when these root causes were treated and cellular function was normalized! Amazing!

Now, Karole is NOT telling you to dump your blood pressure medicine. But it means there is hope in treating high blood pressure that may not include prescription drugs and corrects the underlying cellular dysfunction that is causing the high blood pressure to begin with. Stay tuned as more research continues…

]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1863/Blog/2018/8/OfficeLife--LunchandLearn!
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1863/Blog/2018/8/OfficeLife--LunchandLearn!#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1863/Blog/2018/8/OfficeLife--LunchandLearn!Thu, 09 Aug 2018 11:48:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1863/Blog/2018/8/Office%20Life--Lunch%20and%20Learn!How to Perform Belly BreathingBelly breathing. When I was in Nurse Practitioner school, if someone told me that I would spend a good portion of my time with patients talking about breathing, I probably would have laughed at them. But here I am, talking about breathing every day. And now, I’m even blogging about it!
]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1862/Blog/2018/8/HowtoPerformBellyBreathing
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1862/Blog/2018/8/HowtoPerformBellyBreathing#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1862/Blog/2018/8/HowtoPerformBellyBreathingWed, 01 Aug 2018 08:54:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1862/Blog/2018/8/How%20to%20Perform%20Belly%20BreathingDoes Menopause Affect Women's Heart Disease Risk?While the risk of developing heart disease rises for both men and women as they age, associated symptoms can be more evident in women after menopause. Menopause does not cause cardiovascular diseases, however, certain aspects of menopause can affect your risk factors.

Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life, and it’s marked by a decline in estrogen production, as well as other hormones. It’s believed that estrogen has a positive effect on women’s artery walls as well as keeping blood vessels flexible. Before menopause, a woman’s estrogen helps protect her from heart disease by increasing good cholesterol (HDL) and decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL).

Menopause and Heart Disease

When women undergo menopause the protective effect of estrogen declines. This alone does not explain the rise in women’s risk for heart disease, however, and it is something that researchers continue to try to explain.

Other factors that can affect women’s heart disease risks include:

Diabetes: For women who do develop heart disease, this typically occurs ten years later than in men. Because of the associated risk factors of diabetes (obesity, high cholesterol), this ten-year advantage women have is lost.

Metabolic syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a combination of conditions that include high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess body fat around the waist. Each of these individually increases women’s risks of developing heart disease, but when combined they are perhaps the most important risk factor for determining a woman’s heart attack or heart disease risk.

Smoking: Women who smoke are more likely than male smokers to suffer a heart attack.

In addition, there are several steps you can take to help reduce your risk for heart disease. These include:

Be more physically active: As little as 30 minutes of exercise daily can reduce women’s risk of heart disease by about 20%.

Eat healthily: Choosing to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium can all help decrease your risk of developing heart disease.

Reduce your stress: When we become stressed, our bodies release a series of hormones and chemicals that can increase our blood pressure, send our heart rate skyrocketing, and cause us to expend more energy than normal. Chronic stress (and the accompanying effects) can cause long-term strain on our arteries and cardiovascular system. Developing healthy coping mechanisms can help reduce this stress and in turn lower your risk of stress-induced health risks.

Don’t smoke: As far as heart disease is concerned, smoking increases your blood pressure, reduces your capacity for exercise, and decreases good cholesterol (HDL). The risk of suffering a heart attack doubles when you smoke as few as four cigarettes a day.

Some in the medical community believe that maintaining proper estrogen levels throughout your life, even through menopause, can help your body retain the protective benefits.

How Abundant Life Health Care Can Help

The most effective way to diagnose hormone imbalances is through saliva testing. This gives us the most accurate snapshot of the “active” hormone levels currently in your body. We can then correct these imbalances using bio-identical hormones, nutrition, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes.
At Abundant Life Health Care, we understand that treating hormonal imbalances means addressing more than just your symptoms. In order for you to have the best outcomes, we address all of the factors that contribute to your wellness.

]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1859/Blog/2018/5/DoesMenopauseAffectWomensHeartDiseaseRisk
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1859/Blog/2018/5/DoesMenopauseAffectWomensHeartDiseaseRiskThu, 24 May 2018 02:38:00 GMThttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1859/Blog/2018/5/Does%20Menopause%20Affect%20Women's%20Heart%20Disease%20Risk?The Science and Art of NursingNursing is a science but it is also an art...
]]>https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1858/Blog/2018/5/TheScienceandArtofNursing
support@neoreef.comhttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1858/Blog/2018/5/TheScienceandArtofNursing#commentshttps://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/e_1858/Blog/2018/5/TheScienceandArtofNursingMon, 14 May 2018 08:20:00 GMT0https://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/blog/t_1858/Blog/2018/5/The%20Science%20and%20Art%20of%20NursingDebunking Common Myths About MenopauseMenopause is a natural process that affects practically all women at some point in their lives.

Though menopause is a very common occurrence, not every woman will experience the same symptoms in the same way. Because of these differences, there are a variety of myths and misunderstandings about menopause that persist.

Today we’re debunking some of the most common myths surrounding menopause. Five of these menopause myths include:

1. Menopause is just a phase.

Even the definition of menopause is often misunderstood.

Technically, menopause is the point at which a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. Up until that point, she is pre-menopausal, after that point she is post-menopausal. Once a woman is menopausal, she will remain menopausal for the remainder of her life.

The average U.S. woman is 51-years-old when she officially becomes menopausal, and remains menopausal for 30 years. So is this just a phase? I don't think so - it is a significant portion of a woman's life!

A recent study showed that menopausal symptoms lasted an average of 7-12 years. Even the duration of symptoms doesn't meet my idea of "just a phase!"

2. If your mom was miserable after menopause, you will be too.

While it is true that women tend to have the same onset of menopause as their mothers, lifestyle plays a significant role in menopausal symptoms. There is much you can do nutritionally before menopause strikes to help minimize symptoms.

Phytonutrients, phytonutrients, phytonutrients! This means vegetables, and lot of them. It is especially helpful to eat dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, chard, and broccoli. Low intensity exercise, such as walking or yoga, can also be helpful to minimize hot flashes and night sweats.

We also have better treatment options with bio-identical hormones than your mother had. There's no reason to suffer through menopause just because your mother did. Research your options. And we really hope that bio-identical hormones (and our practice in particular) is your choice for menopausal treatment!

The average age of menarche (the onset of menstrual periods) in the U.S. is currently 12.4 years old. In women born prior to 1920, the average age of menarche was 13.3 years old.

Yet the average age of onset of menopause in the U.S. has been 51 years old for decades. So there is no correlation between how old you were when you start your period and the age you will be when you start menopause.

The only somewhat accurate indicator? Genetics!

Women tend to go through menopause around the same age that their mothers did. However, that isn't very accurate either...

4. Blood tests are the gold standard to test hormone levels.

Hormones that are produced in a gland are released into the bloodstream. Hormones that are NOT produced in a gland (produced in fat, converted from other hormones, etc.) are NOT released into the bloodstream; these hormones are released directly into the tissues of the body. Therefore, a blood test shows the hormones that the ovaries (or other glands) are currently making.

After menopause, what are the ovaries producing? Little to nothing. This is exactly why we use saliva tests to look at hormone levels. Only 35-50% of a women's estrogen is made by the ovaries, leaving 50-65% of estrogen coming from elsewhere in the body.

To determine hormone imbalance, and if we've achieved the correct re-balancing of hormones, we need to know how much hormone is in a woman's tissues, so saliva testing is the best method to determine this.

5. Hormone replacement is dangerous.

When hormones are employed, starting with progesterone-only therapy can be a gentle and often effective treatment, although there are many cases when estrogen is of absolute benefit.

Unfortunately, the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) findings of increased incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer have caused many women to falsely believe that they must choose between the risk of heart attack or cancer and living with symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irritability, and more.

The WHI study was done using oral conjugated equine estrogen and medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is not the same thing as bio-identical progesterone. The general public, led by the medical community at large, does not typically differentiate between these hormones (conventional HRT) and therapies that employ bio-identical hormones (BHRT) such as estradiol and progesterone.

When hormones are given in physiologic doses, and in correct ratios, the risk profile is profoundly different. Knowledge is power and accurate expectations about menopause and the real risks and benefits of the many treatment options available will have profound impact not only on individual women, but may help to correct the spread of misinformation.

Do you have a hormonal imbalance? We can help.

At Abundant Life Health Care, we understand that treating hormonal imbalances means addressing more than just your symptoms.

In order for you to have the best outcomes, we address all of the factors that contribute to your wellness. We can then correct these imbalances using bio-identical hormones, nutrition, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes.

When considering treatment for the relief of menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms, women understandably seek out solutions that are safe and effective.

Often called natural or human-identical hormones, bio-identical hormones provide women undergoing the changes of menopause with safe and effective relief from their symptoms.

Bio-identical hormones are identical in molecular make-up, shape, and structure to the hormones that are naturally created in the human body. Alternative hormone therapy medications like Premarin and Provera use chemically-altered or synthetic hormones that do not match the hormones found naturally in the human body.

On the other hand, since bio-identical hormones are chemically identical they are also inherently compatible. This allows them to be easily absorbed and utilized by the human body.

What Is The Process?

Your clinician will work with you to identify your specific hormonal needs and develop a treatment plan. The process goes like this:

Your hormones are measured via a saliva test so that your clinician can identify any hormonal deficiencies.

Next you’re prescribed a specially formulated compound of bio-identical hormones to restore balance within your body and relieve menopausal symptoms.

Your prescription is filled at a local compounding pharmacy that is convenient for you, whether you live in Boise, Nampa, Twin Falls, or other areas.

How Abundant Life Health Care Can Help

At Abundant Life Health Care, we understand that treating hormonal imbalances means addressing more than just your test results or your symptoms. In order for you to have the best outcomes, we address all of the factors that contribute to your wellness.

The most effective way to diagnose hormone imbalances is through saliva testing. This gives us the most accurate snapshot of the “active” hormone levels currently in your body. Based on the plan developed between patient and provider, these test results will assist our provider in prescribing the appropriate treatment and ideal dosage using bio-identical hormones.

Abundant Life Health Care works with many local compounding pharmacy right here in Boise. We also work with compounding pharmacies throughout the Treasure Valley and beyond. Our providers prescribe individualized doses of bio-identical hormones to correct any underlying hormonal imbalances and these individualized treatments are made specifically for that patient by the compounding pharmacy. These treatments often include creams, triturates, troches, and capsules.

It’s a common belief that hormone replacement therapy should be the go-to solution for women suffering from the estrogen deficiency associated with menopause. Many women understandably begin to research natural and safe methods to alleviate their symptoms.

While hormone replacement therapy can make a world of difference for many patients, not all hormone sources are created equal. That’s why we frequently recommend bio-identical hormones for their safety and effectiveness.

What is Different About Bio-Identical Hormones?

Often called natural or human-identical hormones, bio-identical hormones can provide safe and effective relief from menopausal symptoms. Bio-identical hormones are identical in molecular make-up, shape, and structure to the hormones that are naturally made in the human body. This is why bio-identical hormones are effective; their compatibility with the human body allows them to be safely absorbed and effectively utilized.

This stands in contrast to hormones like Premarin and Prempro, which are made from conjugated mare urine. While each of these contains natural hormones from horses, ultimately they are not bio-identical to humans. Any typical HRT drug like Provera and the combination drug Prempro, that list ingredients such as progestogens, progestins, or esterified estrogens are also not bio-identical. The names may sound similar, but their molecular structure is very different.

Compatibility is important because the cells in our body respond to a specific hormone structure. When hormones that aren’t bio-identical are used, some patients may experience a variety of side effects ranging from minor to serious. Bio-identical hormones are exactly the structure of human hormones, and this is why they work effectively without the accompanying range of side effects.

How Abundant Life Health Care Can Help

The most effective way to diagnose hormone imbalances is through saliva testing. This gives us the most accurate snapshot of the “active” hormone levels currently in your body. Based on the plan developed between patient and provider, these test results will assist our provider in prescribing the appropriate treatment using bio-identical hormones.

Abundant Life Health Care works with a local compounding pharmacy right here in Boise. Our providers prescribe individualized doses of bio-identical hormones to correct any underlying hormonal imbalances and these individualized treatments are made specifically for that patient by the compounding pharmacy. These treatments often include creams, triturates, troches, and capsules.

At Abundant Life Health Care, we understand that treating hormonal imbalances means addressing more than just your test results or your symptoms. In order for you to have the best outcomes, we address all of the factors that contribute to your wellness.